Sept. 25, 2009

September 25, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Returning to paradise; Christ the healer; Keeping up with life’s changes

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI

| Pages 14-15

september 25, 2009

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Catholic Charities answer increased need

Classroom innovations

Annual report cites recession in 10 percent client roll increase

by DENNIS SADOWSKI catholic news service

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — In a time of recession, Sondra knows she and her four-yearold daughter Hope could be on the street.

Forced to flee an abusive relationship with her husband, Sondra, 45, who asked that her last name not be used, had nowhere to turn. Her time at the emergency shelter was limited. While Sondra had a job as a custodian at a local church, there was no way she could afford an apartment.

There was no chance of moving back home, even if she and her husband could reconcile; their home had gone into foreclosure.

Enter St. Margaret o f C o r t o n a Tr a n s i t i o n a l Residences in Woodbridge, Va. It’s where Sondra and Hope now have a home.

It is a peaceful, cozy and, most importantly, safe place where they can enjoy dinner every evening. It is where they can read and play and learn together.

“I love it here,” she said.

A program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Va., the residence brings stability to nine single mothers and their children, most of whom have escaped domestic violence. The only transitional housing setting of its kind in the Arlington Diocese, the program helps women build selfsufficient lives.

See CHARITIES, page 7

vOLUME 18

no. 40

MACS teachers awarded grants by

HEATHER BELLEMORE interim editor

CHARLOTTE — The energy in the room was electric as 42 teachers from all eight schools of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) system were awarded grants at the diocesan pastoral center in Charlotte Sept. 18. Awards totaled a record $47,867 to support 25 innovative educational programs.

From science and mathematics to writing and music, these teachers have the edge on teaching innovations for their students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Charlotte.

“This is just so exciting!” said Melissa Kurek, English teacher at Holy Trinity Middle School. Kurek was awarded funds to implement a Battle of See TEACHERS, page 5

courtesy photo

Mary Elizabeth Lerner, teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School, is pictured Sept. 22 while utilizing calculators to teach a lesson in her classroom. Lerner, who won funds for her program Calculator-inspired Learning, is one of 42 teachers who collectively earned $47,867 Sept. 18. Grants were presented by the MACS Education Foundation to enrich and expand Catholic education through innovative teaching programs.

Lighting the fires of faith

Catechists ignite faith

Catechists across diocese assemble for classes in Greensboro by

DEACON GERALD POTKAY correspondent

photo by

Deacon Gerald Potkay, correspondent

Father Roger Arnsparger, vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte, is pictured leading catechists and presenters in the Liturgy of the Hours during the opening ceremony for Lighting the Fires of Faith at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro Sept. 19.

GREENSBORO — More than 200 catechists from 20 parishes throughout the Diocese of Charlotte flocked to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro to attend the 15th session of Lighting the Fires of Faith Sept. 19.

The assembled catechists were greeted by Father Roger

Culture Watch

Around the diocese

Honoring right to life; Pope holds meteorite; remembering Henry Gibson

Cultivating catechesis; Knights of Columbus

| Pages 10-11

| Page 8

Arnsparger, vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte, who said that “catechesis brings us into an intimate communion with Jesus Christ.”

Father Arnsparger explained that catechist success is based upon personal spirituality and the continuous practice of the faith “as you faithfully attend Mass and show your love for Christ in See CATECHISTS, page 9

Eucharistic Congress coverage next week!

www.goEucharist.com

September 25, 2009

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard

More than a ring

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Georgia immigration attorney, Maria Odom, has been named executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, known as CLINIC. Odom is the principal attorney and owner of Odom Immigration Law Group in Atlanta and a former partner of the Georgia immigration firms Kuck, Casablanca & Odom and Antonini, Odom & Sullivan. She also has served as a liaison with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as a member of a committee of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and as a faculty member for continued legal education and seminars for the lawyers’ group.

When she assumes the post Dec. 1, she will take over for acting executive director Mark Franken, who has held that position since longtime

cns photo by

Barb Arland-Fye, The Catholic Messenger

Walter Dray Sr., 92, of Davenport, Iowa, displays his 1940 class ring from the University of Notre Dame.

The ring went missing 52 years ago when he lost it in a Wisconsin lake. But he and the ring were reunited after a Wisconsin lawyer discovered it in a collection of jewelry his late father acquired years ago while combing beaches and lakes with a metal detector.

Notre Dame alum reunited with missing class ring after 52 years DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) — Walter Dray Sr. treasured his 1940 class ring from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He even wore it in place of a wedding ring, with the blessing of his wife, Peg. When the Davenport businessman and father of eight lost the ring in 1957 at the bottom of a Wisconsin lake, he was heartbroken, but Peg assured him the ring eventually would be found.

She was right, but unfortunately did not live to see the joy the ring’s return would bring to her husband.

Fifty-two years after it disappeared, the ring is back on Dray’s finger. He believes it’s a gift from his late wife, with God’s blessings.

“The whole thing is sort of miraculous,” Dray said, happily wearing the gold ring with a blue stone.

The reunification of Dray, now 92, and his ring is a story within a story.

Years ago, a Wisconsin retiree named John MacDonald took up a metaldetecting hobby and found numerous pieces of jewelry while combing beaches and lake bottoms. MacDonald died years ago and the jewelry sat in his wife’s closet, said their son, Drew MacDonald, a real estate planning attorney in Appleton, Wis. The younger MacDonald began a quest to find the owners of the long-lost heirlooms that were traceable.

“I help people plan for their family heirlooms to be passed on to the next generation and here I am sitting with a box of heirlooms and I want to get

Georgia attorney named to head CLINIC

them back to their owners,” he told The Catholic Messenger, newspaper of the Diocese of Davenport.

MacDonald found the inscription “Walter Dray Class of 1940” etched on the inside of Dray’s ring. He contacted the Notre Dame Alumni Association in early July inquiring about the ring’s owner.

“They said, to my surprise, that the gentleman who graduated in 1940 was still alive and they asked if he could give me a call,” he said.

Dray called MacDonald July 8.

“He was so incredibly happy you couldn’t believe it,” MacDonald said.

“His faith that he was going to get this ring back was incredible. He was under the complete belief that his wife helped guide it back home to him.”

The recovery of Dray’s ring gives him a comforting sense of Peg. Longtime members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport, the couple had been married 66 years when she died in October 2007.

Dray lost the class ring while swimming and snorkeling with his kids during a family trip to the lake. Dray’s children wanted to get a replacement ring for their father, but his wife advised against it.

“Peg said, ‘You’re going to find that ring. Someday it’s going to come back.’

And here it is more than 50 years and it came back!” Dray said. “My kids say that’s Peg’s gift. She wanted to give me a gift. That’s the way I feel about it. This was a gift from Peg.”

Diocesan planner For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese. org/calendarofevents-cn.

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE ARDEN — The Fall Women’s Program at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., will be held Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program will be based on the Book of Esther and providence. The program will begin with a prayer experience of Lectio Divina. Presentations will be given by lay members of the Discalced Carmelites and the Fraternity of St. Dominic along with personal reflections on providence given by local parishioners. The program is free and includes lunch and door prizes. There will be a raffle to help defray expenses. All women are welcome. To RSVP, contact Marcia Torres at (828) 697-1235, or e-mail johnandmarciatorres@ yahoo.com.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group (CCWG) will host a reflection featuring guest speaker Bishop William G. Curlin, Bishop Emeritus of Charlotte, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Oct. 5. The CCWG is an inter-parish organization of lay Christian faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte. Its mission is to foster in women a greater desire to know, love and serve Jesus Christ and his church.

Mass begins at 9 a.m. with the bishop’s talk

director Don Kerwin left in 2008.

Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Calif., chairman of CLINIC’s board of directors, said Odom “brings a heart for the Catholic Church’s social mission to migrants and their families.” In a CLINIC press release, he noted she has “a strong background in providing legal services to the indigent and proven leadership in executive, financial, human resources and public relations management.”

Odom is a native of Puerto Rico who moved to the United States at age 16. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and a law degree from Mercer University, she began her career at the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a government agency, and has held other federal positions including as counsel for the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. following at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Molly Beckert at (704) 243-3252 or mvbeckert@ carolina.rr.com.

CHARLOTTE — A presentation on Our Lady of Fatima and Holy Mary and Islam will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Oct. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Speakers will be Father Christopher Roux, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, and Mike Sullivan, president of Catholics United for the Faith in Steubenville, Ohio. Light refreshments will be served after the talks. Come for fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ while we learn some fascinating facts about our Blessed Mother.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Keating at ewkeating4@aol.com or Mary Sample at marysample5@aol.com or call (704) 341-9292.

CHARLOTTE — Presentations on the Shroud of Turin will be held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. John Iannone, a Catholic writer, lecturer, and filmmaker who has studied the Holy Shroud for 30 years, will present the topic “The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: The Case for Authenticity.”

Iannone has published several books on the Shroud of Turin and has done work for PBS and EWTN. For more information, contact the office at St. Matthew Church at (704) 543-7677 or the office at St. John Neumann Church at (704) 536-6520.

CHARLOTTE — Anyone interested in learning more about the Secular Franciscan Order and how to become a part of this group is invited to attend an informational meeting at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd. There will be concurrent sessions in English and Spanish Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. For more information, contact David Romero at (704) 877-5505.

CHARLOTTE — The 67th semi-annual rosary rally will be held Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral. The rally will include the holy rosary, a eucharistic procession and Benediction. The homilist will be Father Rick DeClue. Join us as we

september 25, 2009 Volume 18 • Number 40

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Interim Editor: Heather Bellemore STAFF WRITER: Katie Moore Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

September 25, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope recognizes foreign troops’ role in building peace in Afghanistan “We can never grow accustomed to” deaths and injuries resulting from violence around the world VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI gave assurance of his prayers for civilians caught in the world’s conflicts and foreign troops working to promote peace and development.

After praying the Angelus Sept. 20 from the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pope said he was deeply saddened to hear news of the deadly roadside bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed ten Afghan civilians and six Italian soldiers Sept. 17.

The deaths and injuries resulting from violence around the world “are facts we can never grow accustomed to and that incur strong reprimand and dismay in communities that hold

peace and civil coexistence close to heart,” he said.

While he had special prayers for the families and friends of the Italian casualities, the pope said he was just as pained over the deaths of other international contingents “who work to promote peace and the development of institutions necessary for human coexistence.”

He said he also prayed to God “with a special thought for the dear civilian population.”

The pope appealed to everyone to help promote solidarity between nations and oppose “the logic of violence and death by fostering justice, reconciliation and peace and supporting the development of people, starting with love and mutual understanding.”

honor Our Lady. For more information, contact Tina Witt at (704) 846-7361.

everyone and class materials are furnished. For information or to register, call Nancy at (336) 884-0522 or e-mail Dr. Kwan at Hlkwan@ lexcominc.net.

CHARLOTTE — “Grace in a Competitive World,” a lecture by Carolyn Woo, the Martin J. Gillen Dean of the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, will take place in Biss Hall at St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St., Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will explore the role of grace in our work and behavior given the highly competitive practices common in our culture. Admission is free and the lecture is open to the general public with a reception to follow. For more information, contact Greg Crawford at (630) 730-2787.

GASTONIA VICARIATE BELMONT —The departments of Biology and Theology of Belmont Abbey College are hosting a presentation, Catholicism and Evolution, by Abbey graduate, Father Michael J. Kavanaugh, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Haid Theatre on the campus of Blemont Abbey College, 100 Belmont Mount Holly Rd. Father Kavanaugh’s presentation will focus on how the Catholic Church understands the creation accounts of Genesis and on the current debate regarding evolution. For more information, contact Dr. David Williams at dr.fluellen@gmail.com or (704) 461-7373. The presentation is free and open to the public.

GASTONIA — A presentation on the Shroud of Turin will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 708 St. Michael’s Ln., Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.

John Iannone, a Catholic writer, lecturer, and filmmaker who has studied the Holy Shroud for 30 years, will present the topic “The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: The Case for Authenticity.”

Iannone has published several books on the Shroud of Turin and has done work for PBS and EWTN. For more information, contact the church office at (704) 867-6212.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO —Free Spanish classes will be offered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., every Thursday for eight weeks beginning Sept. 24 through Nov. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Beginner and advanced classes are open to

Episcopal

calendar

SALISBURY VICARIATE CONCORD — A presentation on the Shroud of Turin will be held at St. James the Greater Church, 139 Manor Ave. SW, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

John Iannone, a Catholic writer, lecturer, and filmmaker who has studied the Holy Shroud for 30 years, will present the topic “The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: The Case for Authenticity.”

Iannone has published several books on the Shroud of Turin and has done work for PBS and EWTN. For more information, contact the church office at (704) 720-0600.

Sept. 29 Episcopal ordination of Bishop-Elect Luis Zarama, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI met with a key official of the Russian Orthodox Church amid signs of a significant improvement in relations.

The Vatican provided no details of the pope’s encounter Sept. 18 with Russian Orthodox Archbishop Hilarion, president of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations. The private meeting took place at the pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Archbishop Hilarion was in Rome for five days of meetings and talks with Vatican officials and Catholic groups, at the invitation of Cardinal Walter Kasper, the Vatican’s chief ecumenist.

S p e a k i n g t o Va t i c a n R a d i o Sept. 17, Cardinal Kasper said the church’s relations with the Russian Orthodox had improved appreciably under Pope Benedict, and that the Moscow patriarchate was expected to participate in a major dialogue session with the Vatican in mid-October.

Cardinal Kasper, who is president

of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, held lengthy talks with Archbishop Hilarion during his visit. The cardinal said the reduction in tensions from a few years ago was evident in the “very calm conversation” they had about a number of issues, including theological and practical problems.

Perhaps most importantly, the Russian Orthodox will be returning to the plenary meeting of the international Catholic-Orthodox theological commission in Cyprus in October, which will take up the topic of the historic role of the bishop of Rome. The Russian Orthodox delegation walked out of the commission’s last plenary session in 2007 in an inter-Orthodox dispute that has since been resolved, Cardinal Kasper said.

Cardinal Kasper said he had suggested that the Orthodox churches form some kind of bishops’ conference at the European level that would constitute a “direct partner of cooperation” in such dialogue encounters. This will be a topic of discussion in coming months, he said.

Breaking bread together

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE WINSTON-SALEM — A presentation entitled Take Back Your Family Time, offered by Dr. William Doherty, will take place in the Bishop Begley Parish Center of St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., Sept. 29. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Many of today’s families suffer from time famine and parental anxiety. Dr. Doherty discusses the problem of over-scheduled kids and underconnected families. He gets to the heart of the issues and encourages parents to regain their leadership. Join us for a three-part program including a large-screen DVD presentation and small group discussions with parents and facilitators. For more information, contact Mary Beth Young at yrmarybeth@aol.com.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public?

Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to kmmoore@charlottediocese. org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:

Sept. 25-26 Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center

Pope meets with Russian Orthodox official, Vatican says ties improved

Oct. 2 (7 p.m.)

Sacrament of confirmation St. John Baptiste de la Salle Church, North Wilkesboro Oct. 4-9 Annual priest retreat

cns photo by Khaled al-Hariri, Reuters

Muslims eat after they break their fast during Ramadan in Damascus, Syria, Sept. 16. The Islamic holy month is a time for repentance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Catholics and Muslims share ‘iftar’ SIDON, Lebanon (CNS) — Parish priests in South Lebanon said breaking the fast with Muslims during the month of Ramadan means more than sharing a meal.

For many Christians, sitting together for “iftar,” the breaking of the fast each evening after sunset, is a chance to get to know others in the community and learn about different customs.

“We go to a lot of iftars,” said Maronite Father Elias Asmar. “When we sit down together to break the fast, we get to know each other.”

“We learn about their fasting, and they ask about our fasting,” the priest said. “We also learn about their diets, their calendars and how they pray. These meals create an atmosphere for dialogue.”

4 The Catholic News & Herald

September 25, 2009

in the news

Possible sainthood for Knights of Columbus founder New evidence of miracle could finalize process within two years

by JACK SHEEDY catholic news service

courtesy photo

Pictured is Joe Boone, parent and JV Volleyball coach at Our Lady of Mercy school in Winston-Salem, showing off some of his great finds from the rummage sale Sept. 12. The PTO hosted the sale and raised more than $2,500 to purchase new computers for the school office and preschool.

A ministry of helping hands Student club raises the bar for service by

HEATHER BELLEMORE interim editor

WINSTON-SALEM — A rummage sale held Sept. 12 at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem raised the bar for student service projects.

More than $2,500 was collected to purchase new computers for the school office and preschool through the efforts of a student service club called Helping Hands of Mercy.

Helping hands for many ministries At Our Lady of Mercy School, the entire student body is encouraged to be involved in this service club.

The commitment that the students demonstrate through a number of service projects is intended to reflect the hands of mercy.

Projects can involve the entire student body. All classes assemble food baskets for needy families, create and sell luminary kits to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem, as well as stage bake-offs and send cookies to families of patients involved with Hospice.

Students also collect soap, toothpaste, lotions, shampoo and other toiletries, and assemble them in cosmetic bags and send them to The Battered Women’s Shelter in Winston-Salem.

Autism Awareness month is a school-wide effort for which Our Lady of Mercy has scheduled speakers and ongoing education efforts to develop student awareness of the unique needs of children with autism.

Middle school students help facilitate the running of the Forsyth County Special Olympics spring motor activity games. Fourth- and fifth-grade students show their support with sideline cheers.

All children at the school also complete school projects ranging from childcare assistance to grounds keeping.

Helping Hands of Mercy has become involved internationally. Students collect

used shoes and lightly used toys for the children of the Dominican Republic.

They send them through medical mission teams from Forsyth Hospital to clinics in the Dominican Republic.

Participation in established national service organizations has been included in regular events such as the American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart” competition. Students also participate in the Catholic Social Services “Wee Care” program, through which supplies and gently-used clothes are donated for newborns and their families.

Student commitment Shirley Shaw, vice principal for Our Lady of Mercy School, recounted the story of the first project the student service group organized.

“Mercy has had a long history of being attentive to the needs of the poor, but in the fall of 2007 they organized and escalated their efforts. The first project involved the collection of satchels and backpacks for children who must be removed from their homes by Forsyth County Child Protection Services.

“On learning that these children are often given a big trash bag in which to collect their belongings when they are taken from their homes, the Mercy Mustangs got busy and collected hundreds of new and gently-used bags,” said Shaw.

The effort became so popular as word spread to parents, friends and coworkers of parents that Helping Hands of Mercy continued collecting for months and was able to present the children with more than 400 bags.

“Through the insight of a relative of a staff member, Eastpack even sent a shipment of 30 beautiful new bags which were used at Christmas,” said Shaw.

“It is inspiring to see what children can do to aid in the many complex challenges of living in poverty,” she said.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, said he hopes that consideration of new evidence of a possible miracle will lead to sainthood for the founder of the Knights of Columbus within two years.

Anderson made the remarks to The Catholic Transcript, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Hartford, moments before Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell signed documents containing new information gathered by the tribunal that is investigating the cause for canonization for Father Michael J. McGivney.

The documents, which remain secret, were sealed Sept. 22 in the presence of about 50 witnesses and prepared for delivery to the Vatican.

Father McGivney (1852-90) was a priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 in New Haven. The cause for his sainthood formally began in Hartford in 1997.

Anderson said the ceremony marked “a very important day for the cause of Father McGivney because it is the conclusion of the medical evidence and assessment (of) the miracle that has been submitted, or what we hope will be considered a miracle, and so this is a very important step for us.”

As to how much longer the sainthood process might take, he said, “Well, the fact that the Congregation (for Saints’ Causes) has declared Father McGivney to be (a) venerable servant of God (in March 2008) means that it is now on a higher priority track, so we hope, once all the material that has been obtained through this process is assessed and put in a written report to the congregation, that they’ll act with expedition. So maybe within two years.”

cns photo by Jack Sheedy, Catholic Transcript

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford, Conn. (left) receives from Dominican Father Gabriel O’Donnell a package of sealed documents containing new evidence of an alleged miracle attributed to the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael J. McGivney, during a ceremony in Har tford Sept. 22. Father O’Donnell is vice postulator of the cause of Father McGivney’s sainthood.

September 25, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 5

from the cover

MACS teachers awarded $47,867 in grants TEACHERS, from page 1

the Books program with fellow teacher Kathleen Murray.

Awards for the 2009-2010 school year were made possible through the annual Grants for Educational Excellence (GEE) program overseen by the MACS Education Foundation.

This year’s event was scheduled on a teacher in-service date so all grant awardees could attend.

On hand to congratulate grant recipients were school principals, members of the MACS board of directors, and staff from the office of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, including superintendent of schools Linda Cherry.

Grant winners arrived for individual photos with Bishop Jugis. Afterwards, they gathered for the awards ceremony moderated by Tom Quigley, vice chair for the MACS Education Foundation, and Benne Hudson, grants committee chair for the MACS Education Foundation.

The event concluded with a catered luncheon and a group photo.

Many grant programs capitalized upon technological advancements such as the SMART board, a whiteboard that acts as a large touchscreen when a computer screen is projected onto it.

Children and teachers can interact with computer programs displayed on the SMART board simply by touching the board to move the mouse or by writing with special “digital” markers.

Teachers Jennifer Cabrerra, Soccorro Davaz, and Maritza Ortiz use SMART board technology with special software in the Spanish TV Gameshow program at Holy Trinity Middle School.

“Kids can review for tests while they play in the classroom,” said Ortiz, who explained that foreign language vocabulary and grammar skills are reinforced in a fun way.

Some grant programs turn apparent disadvantage into opportunity. Stan Michalski, band instructor who teaches at all the MACS schools, needed resources to provide specialized instruction to students of the tuba, oboe, flute and clarinet. His Artist in Residence program received a grant for bringing members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra into MACS schools to provide that specialized instruction.

“This is just so exciting!”

— Melissa Kurek “The vision is to have one instructor per instrument provide lessons every two weeks,” said Michalski.

Other grant programs get back to the basics, like the Wee Deliver program at St. Gabriel School.

“It’s an intra-school post office,” said Sue Cornish, St. Gabriel teacher.

“We even have street names,” added Mary Ellen Reese, St. Gabriel teacher who partners with Cornish for the Wee Deliver program.

They explained that children learn a “friendly letter format” while corresponding with each other and their parents through handwritten letters.

The program also encourages art skills through a stamp design contest.

Mathematics and sciences were wellrepresented in the grant awards. Annie Jost, teacher at Holy Trinity Middle School, received a grant for her Outdoor Learning Science Garden program.

“Through planting, growing, eating and even naming plants, children learn about the earth through this hands-on outdoor experiment,” said Jost.

Funds will be used to convert land into a garden for the project, which Jost has previously completed with success at another middle school.

The Math in the 21st Century program addresses the persistent question, “when will I ever use this?” through real-world applications of mathematical concepts.

“This program is experiment-based,” said Jeff Prys, teacher at Holy Trinity Middle School.

“It implements a new math program through an investigative approach,” he said.

Prys will partner with teacher Michelle Marcelais for this program.

GEE applications are open to all MACS teachers, who may make proposals for individual awards up to $1,500, and group awards up to $3,000.

The program is funded through the MACS Education Foundation, which has raised nearly $5 million and awarded 150 GEE grants for the benefit of more than 6,000 children in MACS schools over the past 16 years.

courtesy photo

Diana Lambropoulos, grant award winner and teacher at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, is pictured Sept. 22 while utilizing the SMART board to teach a lesson in her classroom. Lambropoulos and her fellow teacher Robert Grimm received a grant for their program Technology in the 21st Century which emphasizes the use of technology as an aid to students learning hand-eye coordination and reading skills.

Is your child in the classroom of an innovator?

2009-2010 Grant Recipients ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL

Mary Elizabeth Lerner

Brain POP! The More You Know, The More You Know Cara Jane Brickman Fran Cummins Suzy Molihan

HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Aimee Cescon

Battle of the Books

Artist in Residence Program (MACS)

Mary Ellen Reese Sue Cornish

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Calculator-inspired Learning

Melissa Kurek Kathleen Murray Bringing Science to Life John Dempsey Tracey Landschoot

Fitnessgram Patty Martin-Wong Read Naturally Software

Wee Deliver

Stan Michalski OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL

ST. MARK SCHOOL Kurtzweil 3000 Educational System

Mercy Matters!

Afterschool Achievers, Math Club

Lincoln Sigwald

Kitty McIndoe

Outdoor Learning Science Garden

Technology in the 21st Century

ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL

Annie Jost

Robert Grimm Diana Lambropoulous

Heidi Guerin Sally Knop

Quilting: Application in Critical Thinking and Service Lincoln Sigwald Regina Pastula Spanish TV Gameshow Software Jennifer Cabrera Maritza Ortiz Soccorro Davaz

ST. ANN SCHOOL Listening and Learning Susan Sullivan Multi-Sensory Learning Project Julie Thornley Read Naturally Software

Study Success at HTMS

Patricia Miller

Jon Klish Molly Sequeria

Web 2.0 Tools-Connecting Curriculum and Technology

Thinking Outside the Box

Lisa Horton

Ann Brown Molly Sequeria

Kathryn Louis Joan Rusterholz

Dance Dance Revolution

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6 The Catholic News & Herald

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Standing for life

September 25, 2009

Caring confirmands

Life Chains to be held around Diocese of Charlotte by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte will soon line the streets of their cities and towns to show their support for the sanctity of human life.

The U.S. Catholic Church observes October as Respect Life Month, with Respect Life Sunday falling on Oct. 4.

To help kick off the activities during the month and show their support for life, hundreds of parishes in dioceses around the country will be participating in Life Chains.

In the Diocese of Charlotte,

parishioners will be standing along the property lines of their respective churches, on city sidewalks and with other church groups in their towns.

People will hold pro-life signs with messages such as “Abortion Kills Children” and “Jesus Forgives and Heals.”

“The Life Chain provides an opportunity for all who cherish the gift of life to prayerfully witness to others,” said Maggi Nadol, Respect Life program director in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“It is an ecumenical, peaceful, silent effort that has the possibility of touching hearts and changing lives.”

LIFE CHAINS IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE Life Chains in the Diocese of Charlotte area will be held Sunday, Oct. 4. Pro-life individuals are welcome to participate in any of the gatherings. Participants should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled start time. Life Chains include: ANDREWS Holy Redeemer Church will participate in the Life Chain at the intersection of highways 129 and 76 in Blairsville, Ga. CHARLOTTE Our Lady of the Assumption Church, at Shamrock Rd./Crestmont Dr., 1-2 p.m.

St. Ann Church, at Park Rd./Hillside Ave., 2-3 p.m.

St. Patrick Cathedral, at Kings Dr./Morehead St., 2-3 p.m.

CONCORD St. James Church, at Hilbish Ford on Rt. 29, 2-3 p.m.

GREENSBORO Battleground Ave. between Cornwallis Dr. and Westridge Rd., 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Contact Bernie and Elaine McHale, 336-292-1118) St. Pius X Church, “walking, living rosary for life, ” at 2210 N. Elm St., 12:30 p.m.

Courtesy photo

HENDERSONVILLE US 25 starting across from the entrance to Patton Park at Clairmont Ave. and ending at 6th Ave. (US 64), 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Contact Sharon Asbury, 828-697-6188)

Four confirmation candidates from St. Therese Church in Mooresville collected nearly

HUNTERSVILLE St. Mark Church, at Stumptown Rd., 2-3 p.m.

donate canned goods or non-perishable food items. The girls dropped off empty grocery

KERNERSVILLE Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St., 10-11 a.m. .

MOCKSVILLE St. Francis of Assisi Church, along Hwy 601 in front of the church, 2-3pm

of food. They delivered the food to the soup kitchen on Sept. 19.

SALIBSURY Sacred Heart Church, at Innes/Main Sts., 1-2 p.m.

WINSTON-SALEM Hanes Mall Blvd., west of Stratford Rd., 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Courtesy Photo by David Foppe

A young supporter holds a pro-life sign during last year’s Life Chain in Greensboro. This year, Respect Life Sunday falls on Oct. 4.

800 pounds of canned goods for the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. The girls came up with the idea as a way to earn confirmation service hours. They wanted to help others in their community who are less fortunate, so they wrote a letter to their neighbors asking them to bags at houses in their subdivision on Sept. 16. Three days later they collected 73 bags full Pictured (from left) are Sarah Woods, Taylor Stamm, Amanda Pratt and Danielle Mathew.

September 25, 2009

From the Cover

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Recession increases Catholic Charities needs CHARITIES, from page 1

Services such as financial education classes, employment counseling and help with transportation and child care are some of the advantages for residents.

Sondra and Hope are among thousands of people who have turned to local Catholic Charities agencies for housing services when they had nowhere else to go during the current recession.

Increased numbers The need for housing services like the St. Margaret of Cortona program as well as emergency shelter and permanent housing jumped 12.4 percent in 2008 as the economic recession gained momentum, reported Catholic Charities USA in its 2008 annual survey of services.

Released Sept. 15 during a nationwide teleconference from the agency’s Alexandria headquarters, the report shows that Catholic Charities agencies served nearly 600,000 people in need of some type of housing assistance in 2008.

Overall, the 142 Catholic Charities agencies responding to the survey

cns photo by

Dennis Sadowski

Anita Rose and her daughter Salene, 3, residents of St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional Housing in Woodbridge, Va, read together Sept. 17. Rose and Salene are among thousands of new clients who have sought housing-related services at Catholic Charities programs nationwide.

— about 85 percent of the nationwide Catholic Charities network — reported serving more than 8.5 million people in 2008, a 10 percent increase from 2007.

Without being able to offer specifics, Father Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, said the demand for housing and other social services continued to climb as the recession deepened during 2009.

“We can only conjecture that when we get the figures for 2009 it’s going to be much, much greater,” he said.

Father Snyder also said the recession is causing local Catholic Charities agencies to struggle with “many of the same challenges as our clients.”

Cuts in government funding for social services coupled with significant losses in donations of cash and goods are causing local agencies to scale back services, reduce hours of operation, lay off staff, freeze wages and implement workdays without pay, he said.

“It is going to continue to put a great stress on our local agencies to continue to provide services,” he added.

Overall, Catholic Charities agencies had revenues of more than $3.9 billion in 2008. Two-thirds of the revenue came from local, state and federal government sources.

Positive response Despite the challenges posed by the recession, Father Snyder expressed optimism that the agency will be able to make strides in its nearly three-yearold campaign to reduce poverty by 50 percent by 2020.

“I actually think (the recession) gives us a greater opportunity to do that because when you look at the challenges that we have right now, one thing that should be very clear is that we can’t just meet those challenges with what we were doing before,” Father Snyder explained.

“Things have gotten so desperate it gives us the opportunity to really look at a solution that doesn’t depend on... the social structures we had before, but to really redefine how we do it,” he said.

Serving a multitude A breakdown of the 8.5 million clients

cns photo by

Dennis Sadowski

Sondra hands a cell phone to her daughter, Hope, 4, in their apartment at St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional Housing in Woodbridge, Va., Sept. 17. Sponsored by Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington, Va., the program is helping Sondra and Hope rebuild their lives after fleeing domestic violence.

They are among thousands of new clients who have sought housing-related services at Catholic Charities programs nationwide. shows nearly half — 48 percent — were adults 18 to 64 years old, 29 percent were children and 13 percent were seniors. Ten percent were unknown.

Prepared by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, the survey revealed: — Nearly 6.3 million people sought food services, a 3.8 percent decline from 2007.

— More than 3.6 million people — a 4.7 percent increase — received social services such as education, day care, programs aimed at atrisk populations, health care, and socialization and neighborhood services.

— More than 1.7 million people — an 11 percent jump — received assistance with basic needs, such as clothing, utility payments, emergency financial needs and prescriptions.

— Slightly more than 1 million

people — a 7.3 percent decline — received various services that fall under what Catholic Charities USA calls strengthening families, including counseling and mental health, addiction, pregnancy, adoption, immigration and refugee services.

— More than 330,000 people received disaster services, a decrease of 21 percent from 2007, but still nearly 60 percent more than in 2005.

— More than 67,000 people — a 35 percent spike — received employment services.

Overall, the statistics reflected the nationwide growth in poverty in 2008 reported Sept. 10 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Census data show that 39.8 million people — 13.2 percent of the population — lived in poverty last year, up from 37.3 million people, or 12.5 percent, in 2007.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the diocese

September 25, 2009

Commissioning catechists Grand gratitude

Courtesy photo

Grand Knight Tom Riley of Knights of Columbus Council 6700, presents Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, with a plaque at the church Sept. 20. The plaque was presented to Father Arnsparger in gratitude for his support of the council and in honor of the Year of the Priest.

Newly elected officers Courtesy photo

Father Frank Cancro, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, presents Billy Stocker with a Certificate of Commissioning during a ceremony at the church in celebration of Catechetical Sunday. This certificate is awarded to individuals who complete all six modules of the catechist recognition process.

These modules are the core curriculum areas of formation and include the call to be a catechist, skills and theory, sacraments, creed, morality, and sacred Scripture. Billy also received a certificate of completion for his service as a catechist for the past five years. Also pictured is Cris Villapando (left), director of faith formation programs for the Diocese of Charlotte, and Dennis Teall-Fleming, faith formation leader at the parish. See related article on page 14.

Catechizing the catechists Courtesy photo

The newly installed officers of the Knights of Columbus Council 11946 in Shelby are pictured with Father Michael Kottar, council chaplain and pastor of St. Mary Church in Shelby, during an installation gathering at the church Sept. 19.

Pictured (from left) are John O’Daly, district deputy; Father Michael Kottar, chaplain; Dan Brown, warden; Ernst Borchert, treasurer; Erick Stockham, advocate; David Judge, grand knight; Paul Pasco, financial secretary; Robert Borkhardt, deputy grand knight; Anibal Angel, guard; and Jim Welter, insurance representative.

Courtesy photo

Father Roger Arnsparger, vicar of education in the Diocese of Charlotte, is shown conferring with campus ministers Matthew Newsome and Conventual Franciscan Father Jude DeAngelo at an education vicariate in-service workshop Sept. 10.

Approximately 80 people attended the in-service workshop which was held at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. Participants included Catholic school personnel, faith formation leaders, youth ministers, campus ministers and young adult ministers.

Father Arnsparger presented the topic “Building a Foundation: Engaging and Implementing the National Directory for Catechesis.”

The presentation included an overview of the National Directory for Catechesis, a breakdown of the seven characteristics of catechesis and an assessment of the strengths and challenges of catechetical programs.

September 25, 2009

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Catechists light fires of faith CATECHISTS, from page 1

the love we give one another.”

He added, “With an authentic spiritual life, a strong missionary zeal, and an active participation in our local parishes, you must spend time in eucharistic adoration to engage the noisy world.”

Attendees were encouraged to live prayer-filled lives so that their catechesis would bring growth to their parishes. To this end, Father Arnsparger stressed the need for the catechists to become active members of the whole diocese. He said everything they do must lead to an authentic faith in Christ.

Father Arnsparger then led the community of catechists in the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the church.

Catechists speak from experience First-year catechist James Jeffries of St. Mary Church in Greensboro remarked on the classes he took this year.

“I’ve come here today because I believe this would help me as I continue on my religious journey back home to God,” said Jeffries, a recent Catholic convert. “I’ve learned that I must allow God to speak through me to the children as I use all the modern technology available.”

Regular attendees of the Lighting the Fires of Faith series find continuing value in the classes.

“I came today to learn more about my faith and to learn how to feel better about myself as I discover ways to relate to and teach the young people of the parish,” said Julie Michaels, catechist for Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington. “I love coming to these classes because they demonstrate ways to improve teaching and they are very spiritually uplifting.”

After achieving Level One certification from 11 years of work, Muriel Hughart of Holy Infant Church in Reidsville said now she can relax a little.

“However, I will still give my time and talent to the church for a few more years in appreciation of the gifts (with which) God has blessed me,” said Hughart.

Hughart’s most recent class focused on the Creed. She said this class helped her better understand the power of prayer offered by the Creed.

A gathering with growing purpose The Lighting the Fires of Faith gathering was developed as an opportunity for catechists to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences they could use in their efforts to teach children.

“From the very beginnings of the diocese, it was expected that the faith formation leaders were to

photo by

Deacon Gerald Potkay, correspondent

Catechists register for classes at the Lighting the Fires of Faith XV at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro Sept. 19. facilitate the Level One certification for catechists in the local parishes,” said Sister of Providence Betty Paul, northern area regional coordinator for faith formation.

“The goal is to offer catechists personal and uplifting classes, which would lead to the certification of the individual catechists throughout the diocese,” said Sister Paul.

She attributed the large number of catechists who signed up for a class named “Called to be a Catechist” to the incredible turnover of catechists in the parishes. At the same time, she indicated that the faithful who still attend Level Two courses are committed to their calling.

Sister Paul looks to the future with hopes of expanding upon opportunities to promote leader formation, like those available through Lighting the Fires of Faith. Her vision includes plans to advance parish catechetical program leader formation so those leaders are then enabled to support their parish catechists.

Sister Paul concluded by saying that she felt “greatly privileged to be able to work on the regional level supporting the catechetical leaders in their own environment, with these opportunities to gather as community.”

Contact correspondent Deacon Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

photo by

Deacon Gerald Potkay, correspondent

Catechists and presenters depart for classes after the opening ceremony for Lighting the Fires of Faith XV at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro Sept. 19.

Setember 25, 2009

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: OCT. 4, 2009

October 4, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Right to life in Luxembourg

Cycle B Readings: 1) Genesis 2:18-24 Psalm 128:1-6 2) Hebrews 2:9-11 3) Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Not meant to be alone A ‘communion of persons’ in the sacrament of marriage

by JEFF HEDGLEN catholic news service

cns photo by Lola Velasco, Cour grand-ducale de Luxembourg

Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, is winner of the 2009 Cardinal Van Thuan prize for his defense of the right to life and freedom of religion. The award is given in honor of the late Vietnamese Cardinal FrancoisXavier Nguyen Van Thuan, who spent 13 years in prison under the communist regime in his country.

Honoring right to life, freedom of religion Grand Duke of Luxembourg receives 2009 Cardinal Van Thuan Prize VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Grand Duke of Luxembourg was awarded the 2009 Cardinal Van Thuan Prize for his efforts in defending the right to life and freedom of religion, the Vatican said.

The prize, which included a special silver medal and a certificate, was given to Henri, the grand duke, at a ceremony in Rome Sept. 16.

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said at a press conference Sept.

15 that the grand duke had been chosen “for his efforts in the defense of human rights, but especially for the right to life and religious freedom.”

The grand duke lost his right to veto in late 2008 when he refused to sign a law legalizing euthanasia in the tiny European country, earning the respect of Catholics and others who oppose euthanasia.

Cardinal Martino said the grand duke, who is married with five children, is worthy of the Van Thuan prize, which is “tailored to people who live according to their faith and put it into practice in their daily lives.”

The grand duke met with Pope Benedict XVI in a private audience at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, the day after the ceremony.

The award is given in honor of the late Vietnamese Cardinal Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, who spent 13 years in prison under

the communist regime in his country before fleeing to Rome in 1991. He died of cancer at age 74 in September 2002, after serving as president of the justice and peace council.

A cause for sainthood of the late cardinal is under way, with the Diocese of Rome collecting his writings as part of the process.

Some of that written material, in the form of prayers and poems, was put to music by Msgr. Marco Frisina, composer and choirmaster, and performed at the awards ceremony.

Four humanitarian organizations working in underdeveloped parts of the world also will receive about 22,000 euros ($32,400) each for excellence in their fields from the St. Matthew Foundation, which established the Van Thuan prizes last year. They are: — Cooperation Mission and Development, based in Thailand, which builds and establishes parishes in Africa, Asia and South America.

— ALAS, a project of the Path of Freedom organization run by the Archdiocese of Bogota, Colombia; the project assists incarcerated people and their families.

— Skills Development Center for the Blind, a center in Thailand that trains blind people in motor skills and vocations such as Thai massage.

— Le Rocher, an association that aids street people in France and helps them return to society.

Having a master’s degree in theology and working for the church can get me in trouble, or at least scoffed at, from time to time.

Awhile back, my wife and I were having a light-hearted discussion about “bedroom” matters with a group of married friends. I put forth the idea that the consummation of marital love is symbolic of the total self-giving of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit among each other and suggested this is a primary reason for the sacrament of matrimony.

When we give ourselves to each other out of love, we mirror the Trinity.

One person laughed and said, “I never think about that at such times.”

I shrugged it off, and we moved on

to other topics, but the comment stayed with me.

Our society has reduced sex to a selling point for material goods and a recreational activity for the partaking of any and all. The problem with this is that God has a much deeper and fulfilling purpose for marriage, in and out of the bedroom.

This weekend’s readings speak of the origins of marriage. Both Genesis and Mark remind us that “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh.”

To emphasize this, Mark adds, “So they are no longer two but one flesh.”

God did not intend for humans to be alone. We are at our best when we are in community.

Pope John Paul II explained this idea in depth in his work “Theology of the Body” in which he speaks of a “communion of persons.” He says we are created to be like the Trinity — persons in communion with each other. The most excellent expression of this is the sacrament of marriage, but extended family and friends fit into this communion as well.

In a society that has warped the gift of marital love, the church stands as a beacon of light calling us to a more perfect understanding of how we share ourselves whether we are single or married. We were never meant to be alone; we have been made to live like God does, in union with each other.

Questions: How does our society make it difficult to be a communion of persons?

What are ways we can be more united with the people in our lives?

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of September 27-October 3 Sunday (Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Monday (St. Wenceslaus, St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions), Zechariah 8:1-8, Luke 9:46-50; Tuesday (St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael), Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, John 1:47-51; Wednesday (St. Jerome), Nehemiah 2:1-8, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday (St. Thérèse of Lisieux), Nehemiah 8:1-12, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (The Guardian Angels), Baruch 1:15-22, Matthew 18:1-5,10; Saturday, Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Luke 10:17-24.

Scripture for the week of October 4-10 Sunday (Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 2:9-11, Mark 10:2-16; Monday, Jonah 1:1--2:2, 11, Jonah 2:3-5, 8, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday (St. Bruno, Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher), Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday (Our Lady of the Rosary), Jonah 4:1-11, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday, Malachi 3:13-20, Luke 11:5-13; Friday (St. Denis and Companions, St. John Leonardi), Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday, Joel 4:12-21, Luke 11:27-28.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 25, 2009

Pope holds meteorite from Mars

New Vatican observatory headquarters inaugurated ROME (CNS) — When Pope Benedict XVI officially inaugurated the Vatican Observatory’s new headquarters in Castel Gandolfo, a Jesuit astronomer let the pope hold a meteorite from Mars.

“The pope very much wanted to be involved with our new headquarters,” U.S. Jesuit Father George Coyne told Catholic News Service Sept. 17.

Pope Benedict spent the evening of Sept. 16 in the company of papal astronomers who conduct study and research in Castel Gandolfo, outside of Rome, and at another research center in Tucson, Ariz.

His hourlong visit began with “a very beautiful prayer and blessing” for the staff and official inauguration of their new headquarters, said Father Coyne, the former director of the Vatican Observatory.

The pope also blessed a dedication plaque in the main-floor entrance area and took a leisurely tour inside, visiting the new library, conference room, staff offices and laboratory. The new facility is located in a renovated monastery about

one-and-a-half miles from its previous location inside the papal palace.

Father Coyne said the pope “looked very carefully at the exhibits we have” and readily accepted the invitation of U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno to hold a meteorite.

In order to prevent contamination, the pope used a white handkerchief to hold the specimen, which, according to Father Coyne, was the Nakhla meteorite — a fragment of a larger meteorite from Mars that fell in the Nakhla region near Alexandria, Egypt, in 1911.

The small chunk of carbon-rich stone weighs just five-and-a-half ounces — just a bit heavier than a baseball.

The pope was led to the new headquarters’ second floor to say a prayer in the chapel and pose for a group picture on the terrace.

Afterward, the astronomers treated the pope to a small reception of cookies and orange soda. The whole event was “very informal and cordial,” said Father Coyne.

He said the visit “was magnificent because it shows the pope’s personal interest in our work. After all, it’s his observatory.

“He was curious about all we do in Arizona, so we had some very nice photographs of our mountain observatory in Arizona” to show the pope and explain the reason most of the research is done there, said the Jesuit priest.

The Vatican Observatory set up a second research center in Tucson in 1981 after the skies above its telescopes in Italy got too bright for

cns photo by

L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI examines a meteorite from Mars while visiting the new headquarters of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Sept. 16. nighttime observation.

T h e Va t i c a n O b s e r v a t o r y ’s headquarters had been located inside the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo since 1935, when it was moved from Rome to escape the nighttime light pollution coming from city streets.

But the papal astronomers expanded their activities so much in recent years with their popular summer school for budding scientists and researchrelated events that “we were overusing our facilities in the papal palace,” said Father Coyne.

The decision to move to separate

and larger facilities was made many years ago, he said. Astronomers started to move into their new, more modern headquarters this spring.

Father Coyne said the pope was scheduled to give an address to astronomers from all over the world, including members of the International Astronomical Union and the head of the American Astronomical Society.

The event, planned for Oct. 30 at the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences, is one of the Vatican’s many initiatives to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.

Henry Gibson, ‘Laugh-In’ star and cardinal’s friend, dies at 73 WASHINGTON (CNS) — John and James were pals in high school who kept up that friendship after they graduated from St. Joseph Prep School in Philadelphia more than 55 years ago.

John is U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley, pro-grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher and formerly the 23-year president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

James was James Bateman, who later changed his name to Henry Gibson, a fixture with his offbeat poems and deadpan delivery on the TV smash “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” which aired from 1968 to 1973.

Gibson died Sept. 14 at his home in Malibu, Calif., seven days before his 74th birthday. His son Jon said the cause of death was cancer.

The cardinal remembers Gibson fondly, as have legions of baby boomers who grew up following Gibson on “Laugh-In” and in a subsequent film and television career.

“I just wrote to his widow yesterday.

He was a good friend,” Cardinal Foley told Catholic News Service Sept. 18.

“He had been here for the ceremonies when I was made a cardinal, and he was also attempting to interest people in the work of the church in the Holy Land, too, which was very nice of him,” the cardinal added.

Gibson had done some fundraising for the church in the Holy Land after Cardinal Foley was appointed to his post with the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

Cardinal Foley and Gibson, while classmates at St. Joseph Prep, had acted in different plays together “He was a wonderful person, a delightful person,” Cardinal Foley said.

“He was always an excellent person, a very good actor and a good friend.”

Gibson, after graduating from high school, graduated from the theater program at The Catholic University of America in Washington.

He got his stage name from his

cns photo by Thomas Lorsung

Actor Henry Gibson, who is pictured during a 2007 Mass in Rome, died Sept.14 at his home in Malibu, Calif. He was 73. fellow Catholic University theater grad, Jon Voight, who outlined an act in which the two of them would play “brothers from the Ozarks who represented the United States on cultural tours and caused riots where they went,” Voight told The New York Times Sept. 16. “I gave him the name Henry Gibson, which I got from (Norwegian playwright) Henrik Ibsen.”

12 The Catholic News & Herald

September 25, 2009

in our schools

Seuss and tell

More space for students

courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

After learning about Dr. Seuss and “The Cat in the Hat,” the students in Mrs. Myers’ first-grade class at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro created their own hats Sept. 18.

Students from St. Mark School in Huntersville process out of the church following the first school-wide Mass in the new church building Aug. 26. For the past six years, school Masses have been held in the church’s family center. This Mass marked the first time students worshiped as a school community in the new church, which is nearly double the size of the family center. “The new building is beautiful and we have waited so long to be able

Learning the ropes

to worship as a school community in a space that is big enough for students and families to gather,” said Janis Boone, public relations representative for the school. Construction on the new St. Mark Church began in April 2008 and the new church building was dedicated Aug. 23.

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Eighth-graders from Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro participate in a teambuilding activity at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center during the first week in September. The class visited the camp for an overnight community-building experience on the high ropes course and learned the importance of leadership skills.

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September 25, 2009

Prayers for peace

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Revering the rose

courtesy photo

Msgr. John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, is pictured with members of the parish’s Knights of Columbus following the Silver Rose prayer service in Courtesy photo

The International Day of Peace was celebrated by the St. Leo School community in Winston-Salem Sept. 21. The student body began the day with a prayer service that included a presentation of flags representing the cultural heritages of the school families. Prayers, led by the newly installed student council, asked for peace in every corner of the world. Students and teachers were encouraged to dress in attire representing their nationalities.

Pictured (from left) are fifth-grader Valerie Lopez, Spanish teacher Maria Iturralde, third-grader Sandra Lopez, science teacher Mythily Isaac, and eighth-grader Kimmie Ramos.

the chapel of the church Aug. 28.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the St. Matthew Respect Life committee, the prayer service was held to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of North America and of the unborn.

The prayer service included recitation of the rosary, an act of consecration, the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a solemn blessing.

The Silver Rose devotion was started in 1960 by a group of teenage boys known as Squires,

Art in the park

an affiliated organization of the Knights of Columbus. The boys were looking for a means to give thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Since a real rose has a short life span, a jeweler in Mexico City crafted a rose out of silver.

Today there are three Silver Roses making a pilgrimage across North America. All three left the city of London in Ontario, Canada in May and will arrive in Laredo, Texas, prior to Dec. 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

courtesy photo by Joann

S. Keane

Charlotte Catholic High School photography students Michael Kuhn (center), Corinne Harceg (left) and Danielle Holmes (right) hang photographs Sept. 22 for the Festival in the Park. Charlotte Catholic High School photography students will display both digital and traditional black and white darkroom work at the Charlotte outdoor festival Sept. 24-27.

September 25, 2009

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Returning to paradise Catechetical Sunday emphasizes proclamation of the Word Catechists across the United States were blessed on Sept. 20, this year’s Catechetical Sunday. The theme “Catechesis and the Proclamation of the Word” is a reminder that our Lord has commissioned us to proclaim the Word.

The General Catechetical Directory states that “catechesis is that particular form of the ministry of the Word which matures initial conversion to make it into a living, explicit and fruitful confession of faith.”

Pope John Paul II explained that the definitive aim of catechesis “is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.”

Regaining paradise To be “in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” is to be in the restored “Eden,” the garden.

The early Church Fathers commented on the connection between the story of the Garden of Eden and the parable of the Good Samaritan. Centuries later, stained glass artists paired these two Biblical accounts in the same windows.

This is seen in the great gothic catedrals of Chartres, Bourges and Sens.

The “proto-gospel” of Genesis 3:15

Guest Column Father Roger Arnsparger guest columnist

is the account of the creation of Adam and Eve, their subsequent original sin and expulsion from the garden. The Good Samaritan parable is from Chapter 10 of St. Luke’s Gospel.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the man leaving Jerusalem is leaving “communion, intimacy” with God. He represents Adam and Eve and all of humanity leaving the garden of God’s presence. Outside of the garden, man is beaten and bruised by his decision to sin.

The Samaritan is the Redeemer who has arrived to proclaim the Gospel and fulfill God’s promise that the “woman and her offspring” would conquer evil.

The Samaritan-Redeemer, who is Christ, picks the man up and takes him to the inn, a representation of the Church. In the Church, the man is anointed and nourished until the

Letters to the Editor

Welcoming everyone I read with interest the letter from June Clancy “Welcoming the deaf ” (Sept. 11).

I find it amazing that priests and parishioners find Ms. Clancy’s interpreting as a distraction.

We have been blessed in our parish

by Jenny Fox signing for the deaf.

Although I am not hard of hearing, I find the interpretation beautiful and another form of praise to Our Lord.

I also witnessed signing when Mother Teresa came to the Charlotte Coliseum years ago.

Again, I was moved by being able to witness this form of prayer.

My husband lost his sight over seven

years ago due to complications from diabetes.

I am saddened at times by the people who will not shake his hand at the sign of peace as he holds his hand out to reach out to others.

I am so moved by the people who do come up to him and shake his hand or give him a hug to let him know he is loved.

I know there will be a warm welcome for these people at the gates of Heaven.

Rita Scearce Greensboro, NC

Samaritan-Redeemer returns.

The Samaritan-Redeemer entrusts care of the man to the keeper of the inn and says he will return to pay the full price. Of course, Christ paid that price on Calvary. Paradise lost in Eden is paradise regained in heaven. Everyone is invited to the restored paradise, the restored garden where man can “walk” with God in “intimacy.”

Catechesis and intimacy with Christ This movement from alienation to walking with God in intimacy is the goal of catechesis.

In the Church, we are fed and nourished by the proclamation of the Word, which invites us to the intimacy of a sacramental encounter with Christ Himself.

The work of catechists through the centuries has been to proclaim that Gospel which leads us to a personal faith, intimate communion with Christ and the Church.

Each Christian is a catechist in one way or another, using each providential moment and tool to do what our Lord commissioned the apostles: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28: 18-20)

Guidelines for proclaiming the Word Description of the work of the catechist in the National Directory for Catechesis, 2005: “The apostolic work of the catechist springs from the Sacrament of Baptism. ... It is strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation. ... Catechists need to be practicing Catholics who participate fully in the communal worship and life of the Church and who have been prepared for their apostolate by appropriate catechetical training. ... Their personal relationship with Jesus Christ energizes their service to the Church and provides the continuing motivation, vitality, and force of their catechetical activity ... to follow (Christ) as a teacher of the faith and a witness to the truth of the faith.”

Nourished by the Church, catechists fulfill the six tasks of catechesis: 1) promote knowledge of the faith; 2) promote a knowledge of the meaning of the liturgy

On Catechetical Sunday especially, we are most grateful to everyone in our lives who has been and is “catechist” to us, and who led us into the Garden of the Church where we can have intimate communion with the Lord. May God bless those who have proclaimed the Word to us.

and the sacraments; 3) promote moral

Father Arnsparger is Vicar of Education in the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

that prepares the faithful to be present as

formation in Jesus Christ; 4) teach Christians how to pray with Christ; 5) prepare Christians to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the church; 6) promote a missionary spirit Christians in society.

Powerful tool for the faith In response to “Lessons in brevity” in the Sept. 18 issue of The Catholic News & Herald, I want to point out that Twitter is so much more than 140 character messages.

In fact, if you learn how to use it, it can be a great tool for helping to live a fuller Christian life.

In Twitterland, there are casual users and there are power users, and everyone in-between.

A casual or new user may see an individual ‘tweet’ as 140 characters, but the power user sees the initial tweet as a kind of advertisement, or way to redirect readers to a Web site, video, picture, or other content-rich link.

Here are some examples: A Tweet from @usccbmedia: @ CatholicNewsSvc Wow. And we thought we had church-state tensions in this country. http://tinyurl.com/kujbpz Note: this Tweet redirects and gives another Catholic Twitterer’s address.

A Tweet from @CenteringPrayer: News About Fr. Thomas Keating http://

post.ly/5Wuz Note: in this Tweet, readers are redirected to a Web site with an update about Fr. Keating’s surgery.

A Tweet from me @MarieGoocher: http://twitpic.com/ho1y9 - The new altar at St. Francis Springs. Check out the ‘candle’ lights!

Note: I sent a picture taken on a Mother/Daughter retreat.

Connections can be made with friends, family, and strangers.

Recently, I sent a tweet including a picture of our new building at St. Mark to a dad who had just dropped off one of his eight children at Davidson College.

I also use Twitter to communicate with other Catholics about retreats and Centering Prayer.

So, you see, Twitter is a great tool, if a little time is spent to learn this great form of communication.

Marie Goocher Davidson, NC

September 25, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 15

One must first believe in order to understand God’s truth, says pope

Christ the healer The importance of absolution Confession is good for the soul.

Forgiveness brings healing.

I think that, just as God has forgiven us in Christ, if someone sincerely asks for forgiveness, we should forgive that person, even though he or she might sin again.

The image Jesus wants us to have of God the Father is described in the story of the prodigal son. The father here forgives immediately. The sorrowing son does not even get a chance to finish his confession before the father orders a ring and a garment and a banquet to celebrate their reconciliation. The father is really the “prodigal” in the sense that he is extravagant with his forgiveness.

In hearing thousands of confessions, I have never heard a confession from someone who was not truly sorry. I have never refused absolution.

Confession is meant to be an encounter with God’s mercy.

The people who come to confession are rare in today’s world. They are people who actually take sin seriously. They are people who accept their guilt and feel the need for the forgiveness of the church.

We should encourage such people.

They are like King David, who expressed his guilt in Psalm 51, the “Miserere” or “mercy” psalm. David asks for mercy after his sin with Bathsheba.

Actually, his most serious sin was not adultery with Bathsheba but the murder of her husband Uriah, which he arranged

to cover up their adultery.

Anyway, David was totally sorry.

He says: “Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always.”

Now that’s an act of contrition!

In my experience, the people who come to confession have carried around their guilt for a long time, sometimes for years. So, when people finally find the courage to come to confession, I don’t think we priests should discourage them.

We are meant to be a “balm in Gilead.”

Now, there is a tension in the priest’s role of confessor.

Canon law says priests are to be judge as well as healer (Canon 978).

This is hard to do.

When I was a young priest, I think I put more emphasis on being a judge.

Today I think I represent Christ the healer. I certainly appreciate people’s persistent striving more than I used to.

But, in all my years of hearing confessions, I’ve never questioned anyone’s sorrow. Nor have I questioned the person’s “firm purpose of amendment.”

I take it at face value.

Canon law says priests should not refuse or delay absolution if the penitent is sincere.

Some people will commit the

Parish Diary FATHER PETER DALY cns columnist

same sin again. After all, many sins are also addictions. I know that people will likely use pornography or alcohol again until they get help to overcome their addictions.

It is a harder case when people are living with someone who is not their spouse. I ask them to live as brother and sister, but I don’t check on them.

Occasionally a person comes to confession and tells me that absolution was refused by another priest. I don’t question that priest’s judgment. I was not there.

But I do admire the persistence of the penitent. I’m not sure I would ever go back to confession if I was refused absolution.

In the tension between being judge and healer, I would rather err on the side of healing.

David also said it well in Psalm 51: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.”

Keeping up with life’s changes Estate planning foundations As the seasons change from summer into fall and we approach the end of the year, it can be a good time to reflect on estate plans and other arrangements that provide for family members and loved ones. The foundation of most estate plans is a will, used either alone or in conjunction with a living trust, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, joint ownership arrangements, or other financial management plans.

When planning a will, it is best to work with professional advisors who are experienced in estate planning so that your goals and objectives will be met with a minimum of fees, concerns and delays.

Once your plans are in place, it is also important to review them every few years. Minor changes can usually be accomplished through simple adjustments to existing plans. Major changes, on the other hand, sometimes require a fresh look at your overall arrangements. A variety of factors — some obvious, some not — can affect

your estate plan including: — Births, marriages, or deaths within your family.

— A difference in your marital status.

— Significant increases or decreases in your financial status.

— The inability or unavailability of the named executor, personal representative, or trustee to settle your estate.

— Moving to another state or acquiring property in a different state.

— Selling or giving away property.

— Changes in federal and/or state tax laws.

— A desire to include charitable gifts as part of your estate plan.

You may also wish to include your parish, Catholic school, agency, the diocese or the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte as a beneficiary to receive a portion of the assets remaining in your estate. You simply stipulate whether you wish for the entire balance, a specific amount, or a percentage of your estate as your

Legacy Notes JUDY SMITH guest columnist

gift. Keep in mind that you can provide that a gift be made only if your other beneficiaries are unable to receive the funds. This way you can assure that your heirs’ future security is not jeopardized in any way.

Up-to-date plans ensure that your wishes will be followed and will bring you and those who rely on you added peace of mind.

Judy Smith is planned giving director for the Diocese of Charlotte. Contact her at (704)370-3320 or jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

VAT I C A N C I T Y ( C N S ) — Understanding the divine mystery will never come from study alone — one must first believe in the Christian faith in order to understand it, said Pope Benedict XVI. Theologians and Christians who wish to deepen their faith “cannot count on just their intelligence, but must cultivate a profound experience of faith at the same time,” he said at his weekly general audience Sept. 23.

The pope spoke in the Paul VI hall before about 9,000 pilgrims from around the world, which included a group of 25 Chinese priests.

The catechesis was dedicated to the life and teachings of St. Anselm of Canterbury, an 11th-century Benedictine and doctor of the church.

According to the saint, people who wish to better understand the Christian tradition can carry out “a healthy theological quest” by following three steps, the pope said.

First, one must have faith, he said, which is “a free gift from God to be welcomed with humility.”

The second step is experience, which entails incorporating the word of God in one’s everyday life. The final step is “true understanding, which is never a result of ascetic reasoning, but of contemplative intuition,” he said.

Here is the text of the pope’s audience remarks in English.

Our catechesis today turns to an outstanding churchman of the eleventh century, Saint Anselm of Canterbury.

Anselm received a monastic education in his native town of Aosta, in the north of Italy, and entered the Benedictine monastery of Bec in Normandy. Under the guidance of his prior, Lanfranc of Pavia, he devoted himself to study and prayer, and eventually was elected abbot of Bec. Some time later he succeeded Lanfranc as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anselm’s years in England were marked by the reorganization of ecclesial life in the wake of the Norman invasion and the struggle for the Church’s legitimate freedom from political inroads, which resulted in his being exiled for three years. This great spiritual leader was also a brilliant teacher, writer and speculative theologian. In the prayer which opens his most celebrated work, the Proslogion, he expresses his desire to understand the faith, the divine truth which his heart already believes and loves. May Saint Anselm’s life and teaching inspire us to a more fruitful contemplation of the mysteries of the Christian faith, and a deeper love of the Lord and his Church.

September 25, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 16

in the news

A community of believers

Pope announces synod on Middle East for 2010

by JOHN THAVIS catholic news service

cns photo by

Debbie Hill

Worshipers pray during Mass at St. Justin Church in the West Bank town of Nablus in January. Pope Benedict XVI has announced a synod on the Middle East to take place in 2010. The pope said the synod would look at various problems faced by minority Christian communities, from migration to interreligious dialogue.

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VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI announced that he will convene a Synod of Bishops for the Middle East to be held in October of 2010. They will address the problems of the Christian population in the region.

The pope said the synod would look at the various problems faced by the minority Christian communities in Middle Eastern countries, from migration to interreligious dialogue.

He announced the initiative at a meeting Sept. 19 with patriarchs and other church leaders from the region.

After the encounter at the papal residence outside Rome, the pope hosted the prelates at a working lunch.

The synod will be held Oct. 10-24, 2010, on the theme “The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness: ‘The community of believers was of one heart and mind.’” The quotation is a description of the unity of the early church from the Acts of the Apostles.

“During this brotherly meeting, from your speeches will surely emerge the issues that beset you and the orientations toward their proper resolution,” the pope said. He told the church leaders that he was praying for them and their communities daily.

A Vatican statement said the informal discussion between the pontiff and the Eastern church representatives focused in particular on problems related to migration, ecumenical relations and interreligious dialogue, and highlighted the church’s efforts to promote peace in the region. As he often does during synods, the pope gave an impromptu talk at the end of the encounter to summarize the various points that were made.

Pope Benedict has spoken frequently about the pressures faced by Christian and Catholic minorities in the Middle East, particularly in the Holy Land and in Iraq. The synod was designed to provide an opportunity for a much-needed strategizing session at the level of the universal church.

Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, said the idea for such a synodal assembly on the Middle East has been around for a while. He said that last spring, during the pope’s visit to the Holy Land, he decided to go ahead with the idea.

Archbishop Eterovic said the synod would include representatives from other Christian churches, and perhaps those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths.

“We don’t know the format yet, but it is clear that one must take into account the entire complex reality of the Middle East,” Archbishop Eterovic told the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

“The synod is not ‘against’ anyone,

but is an open space of dialogue that aims at communion and peace in justice and truth. Certainly we will find the way to hear the voices of the Jewish world and the Muslim world,” he said.

Archbishop Eterovic said it would be the first regional synod held in modern times. It will last two weeks, one week less than usual, and preparatory work was already beginning with a two-day meeting Sept. 21-22 among Vatican and Middle East church officials. Present at this planning session were many of the Eastern church representatives who met with the pope Sept. 19, as well as the president of the Iranian bishops’ conference, Chaldean Archbishop Ramzi Garmou of Tehran, and the president of the Turkish bishops’ conference, Bishop Luigi Padovese.

The “lineamenta” or outline for the Middle East synod was expected by the end of the year, and the “instrumentum laboris” or working document for the synod should be ready by Easter.

Archbishop Eterovic said both documents would be briefer than usual.

Those participating in the talks with the pope included the Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad, Iraq; Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem; the Lebanonbased Maronite patriarch, Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir; and representatives of the Ukrainian, Syro-Malabar, Coptic, Melkite, Syrian, Armenian, Romanian and Syro-Malankar rites.

Last January, Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk, Iraq, and other Iraqi bishops in Rome for their “ad limina” visits asked the pope to convene a special synod for the churches of the Middle East.

Archbishop Sako said the priority topics for such a synod would include the problem of Christians fleeing the Middle East, paying Christian witness in a predominantly Muslim world, relations with Muslims, the role of Christians in civil and political life, lack of full religious freedom and Christians’ prospects for the future.

Bishop Maroun Lahham of Tunis, Tunisia, a Jordanian native of Palestinian parentage, told Catholic News Service earlier this year that when the church discusses Asia — as it did in a 1998 synod for that region — “it’s the Philippines, India, Japan, not the Middle East.”

Bishop Lahham, who worked as a priest in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem as well as in the United Arab Emirates, said while the Middle East is technically part of the Asian land mass, “the issues ... were very unlike those” in typically Asian countries.

“We didn’t feel (the Asian synod) was meant for us,” said the bishop, who was head of the seminary in Beit Jalla, West Bank, at the time.

Contributing to this story was Pat Morrison in Tunisia.